This is a week of remembrance for the world…it is also a time of great celebration! It marks a great loss, an even greater gain and immeasurable change.

​There are certain games and competitions in the life of an athlete that result in change. Often these crossroads involve a loss which, in turn, creates a new direction and ultimately leads to a brighter and more effective future.

This week we look at the cross - a symbol of change…ON IT- the Son of God was put to death as the ultimate sacrifice for the sin of all…past, present and future.Christ died for our sins…1 Corinthians 15:3b NIV

WITH IT – the arms of Christ hung in power and raised up in praise and victory over sin and death wiping out defeat.O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?Corinthians 15:55 NLT

BY IT – a new and purposeful future was ushered in for those who put their trust in the One who hung on it…we are can count on being changed into His image.So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT

BECAUSE OF IT - we are promised and eternal home with Christ when our days on this earth are over.In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.John 14:2 KJV THE CROSS CHANGES EVERYTHING!

To PUT OFF requires discarding something. To PUT ON requires adding something. Getting rid of unused clothing is a necessary after adding new ones. We may need new ones to replace the old ones but in order to have room in my closet I must choose to eliminate old ones!

When a new season of a team sport approaches the coach must choose which type of play will fit the new and evolving team. A plan that worked last season may need to be discarded and a new plan implemented in order to get the best out of the team. The coach maps out the new plan however it is up to the players to execute it…old plans must be PUT OFF and new ones must be PUT ON.

To be effective in our walk with Christ, we are directed to PUT OFF and PUT ON…

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put offyour old self,which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;to be made new in the attitude of your minds;and to put onthe new self,created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

A new life begins as the Holy Spirit opens our hearts to living within God’s plan and we have a choice to make. Will we PUT OFF our old ways and PUT ON the new ways God has for us? He has promised to give us the power to walk in His ways as we shed the old self and purposefully climb into the new and improved version He has set before us.

PRAYER: To be like you is my heart’s desire. I will continually climb out of my old self and into the new garments of righteousness that you have prepared for me. Thank you for offering me the opportunity to choose your ways and for your power in me that makes it possible. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Hiking is a popular sport these days. There is excitement and fulfillment in experiencing the low shady valleys and the high lifted peaks. The trails that lead to these awesome places are often rugged and dangerous. However, reaching the intended spot makes it all worthwhile.The Bible tells us that a man named Job was taken to the lowest of lows. In just one day his farming equipment was stolen and his farm workers killed, then a lightening-kindled wildfire took out his sheep and those keeping them, his camels were stolen and the keepers killed, and finally, his children were killed in a hurricane taking down the walls of the house they were in. (see Job 1:13-19 NIV)And what did Job do? He put it all in God’s care with praise and worship…(Job) fell to the ground in worship saying, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;may the name of the Lord be praised.”Job 1: 21 & 22 NIV

What didn’t Job do? He didn’t blame God but rather praised His name.We experience low days that bring difficult news or events when our tears of sadness can fill a valley of despair. During productive and fulfilling days we are lifted to peaks of happiness. Whether low in the valley or high on the mountaintop, we are called to remain on the path of trust in our ever-faithful God. PRAYER: As I travel through the lows of valleys and highs of the mountaintop I will continually lift my voice in worship to you, dear Father. Please keep me in the heights of praise no matter my circumstances. Thank you for leading me to your intended spot. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Understanding another point of view, a devastating event, a tragic loss or anything opposite of our expectation can be a difficult task. To PURSUE UNDERSTANDING is a life-long challenge.

When choosing a sport, an athlete must consider the rules that govern it, the expectations surrounding it and the lasting results from participating in it. To PURSUE UNDERSTANDING of the sport is necessary both before the choice is made and during involvement in it.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO PURSUE UNDERSTANDING:

Put aside the need to be understood...

“Seek not to be understood but to understand.”St. Francis of AssisiThough good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out.Proverbs 20:5 NLT

Realize that’s it is through God Himself that our understanding deepens. The Psalmist David penned this prayer...

Want to prosper?He who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.Proverbs 19:8b NIVUnderstanding...festoons our days with beautyProverbs 4:9 The MessageWant a strong household environment?By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.Proverbs 24:3Want happiness?Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding...Proverbs 3:13 NRSV

FINAL WORD... In all your getting...get understanding!Proverbs 4:7b KJV

About the Author... JANET BROWN

As a veteran coach's wife, Janet invites you to join her in "Changing the world for Christ...one athlete at a time".Through the language of sports and life experiences, Janet uniquely exposes the character of God and His desire for "sportmoms" to WIN BIG in life. Her behind-the-bench view invites us into a world of triumphant wins and tragic personal loss.

LIFE EXPERIENCE

From being a mother of 2 to a spiritual mom to many, the road of life for Janet includes these hallmarks:

- Gave her "heart to Jesus" at 6 years old.- Studied Education/ Psychology at a Christian College